Ageless Beauty

Cosmetics Packaged in Jars: Why Not? Conclusion

2012-05-25T05:00:00.000-05:00

[Cosmetics Packaged in Jars: Why Not? started yesterday.]

Transparent or translucent packages are less than ideal for cosmetics. Just as UV radiation can bleach fabric indicating weakening of the molecular structure, UV radiation can degrade cosmetic ingredients.

Many of the same antioxidants used in skincare products are prized for their health benefits in the fruits and vegetables we eat. Every shopper knows to carefully plan fresh produce purchases so food can be eaten before it goes bad. Every shopper also knows that the health benefits of fresh produce can be extended by certain storage methods.

The food industry has made great strides in extending the shelf life and nutrient value of the fruits and vegetables we eat: freezing, freeze drying, airtight bags impregnated with chemicals to retard oxidation.

That brings us back to why much of the cosmetics industry has resisted progress in packaging for stability.

Here's my guess. It's not the cost. Take the case of thick creamy products, which are the products most commonly packaged in jars. Opaque tubes are far more effective at keeping out air, UV rays, and contaminants and tubes cost less than jars.

It must be the marketing value of jar packaging. Tubes aren't glamorous. Tubes make it harder to get every last drop of product. Tubes can't be tricked out in luxurious presentations like jars within jars for example.

When consumers stop buying cosmetics in jars, companies will stop making them.

All that said, I still buy products in jars myself, because some of the products are just that nice. When I get them home, I try to treat and use them with as much care as I do the fruits and vegetables in my kitchen.

I store the jars in cool dark places. Once open, I make sure to:

• Use scrupulously clean fingers to scoop out cream;
• Seal the jar tightly after each use; and
• Use the product daily until every drop is gone (a 1-oz. jar lasts one month when used twice a day).

On the issue of bacterial and fungal contamination, you might be interested in If It Looks or Smells Funny, Would You Still Use It?

Tags: cosmetic safety, cosmetic efficacy, skin care, preserving cosmetic product efficacy, contaminated products, preservatives, cosmetic industry packaging guidelines, jar packaging cosmetics

Cosmetics Packaged in Jars: Why Not?

2012-05-24T05:00:00.000-05:00

I'd like to know your opinion about all I keep reading about staying away from products in jars since the air and finger contamination makes products lose their effectiveness quickly.

I have to wonder, if this is true, why cosmetics companies continue to place products, particularly very expensive ones, in this type of container.

Do you think there is validity to these warnings?

Lucy

Hi Lucy,

Is there validity to these warnings? Yes. As to why the cosmetics industry continues to use jar packaging for degradable ingredients and despite the risk of contamination, your guess is as good as mine.

The industry cites preservatives and anti-microbial additives as well as more stable versions of certain ingredients. But if they could also improve the packaging, wouldn't that be even better?

It's common knowledge in the skincare industry that certain ingredients, especially most antioxidants and some peptides, quickly lose their effectiveness when exposed to air. It's common knowledge that some ingredients deteriorate when exposed to light. It's also common knowledge that bacterial or fungal contamination can turn beneficial products into harmful, disease-carriers.

I’ve mentioned the problems with jar packaging in passing many times on Ageless Beauty. You’ve given me the opportunity to present the case in more depth.

The definitive cosmetic industry guidelines are the Guidelines on Stability of Cosmetic Products published jointly in 2004 by the U.S. Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) and the European Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association (COLIPA).

The guidelines state, "Packaging can directly affect finished product stability because of interactions which can occur between the product, the package, and the external environment. Such interactions may include … the adverse effects of atmospheric oxygen …"

Another section advises testing for "how well cosmetics will resist common stresses such as temperature extremes and light … Cosmetics whose packaging may allow the product to be exposed to light should undergo light stability testing."

Another section recommends testing for changes in color, odor and appearance as well as microbial testing.

Do all cosmetics manufacturers stringently follow the guidelines? Probably not. It's an extremely competitive industry and they're only guidelines after all.

Tomorrow, more on Cosmetics Packaged in Jars: Why Not?

Tags: cosmetic safety, cosmetic efficacy, skin care, preserving cosmetic product efficacy, contaminated products, preservatives, cosmetic industry packaging guidelines, jar packaging cosmetics

Evis MD Platinum Therapy Wand Warranty Service

2012-05-23T05:00:00.000-05:00

I've had the Evis MD Platinum Red Light Therapy appliance for around 10 months.

I need a replacement power cord. The cord has frayed around the end that goes into the appliance and I can no longer use it. This is quite an expensive piece of equipment, so this is really unexpected.

In any case, please let me know how I can get a power cord.

JoAnn

Hi JoAnn,

This is not the Ageless Beauty which is connected with the Evis MD Platinum Red Light Therapy Wand.

This Ageless Beauty is on online magazine about all things anti-aging. We write articles and reviews of anti-aging and skincare products, but we don’t sell any products. You’re far from the first to make this mistake.

Consequently, we’ve spent a good deal of time trying to track down the elusive other Ageless Beauty. Information is very difficult to find even with the power of the internet. There doesn’t seem to be any warranty service available through the company.

To protect your investment, I think your best bet would be to find a repair shop for small appliances and see if they can get a new power cord for you. Not the best answer, I know; but at least in your case, the machine itself still works.

Here is the latest information we have in case you want to take up the hunt for the Ageless Beauty connected with the Evis MD appliance.

If you have any success, would you do others the kindness of sharing the contact information – either by leaving a comment on one of our articles about the company’s non-existent customer service or by writing to me again?

Good luck.

Regards,
Jean

Tags: Evis MD Platinum, Marvel-Mini LED wand, home anti-aging appliance, anti-aging red light therapy, skin anti-aging, collagen tightening, Ageless Beauty company information

7 Most Effective Exercises Aren't for Everyone, Conclusion

2012-05-22T05:00:00.000-05:00

If, like me, you just can't do all of the WebMD 7 Most Effective Exercises anymore or might be able to if you work up to them gradually, here are alternatives that are almost as effective.

Let's call these the 7 Next Best Most Effective Exercises.

1. Knee lifts alternating with light jogging in place: Both moves are aerobic. Combined, they work the same muscles as walking in half the time. If you have the time, walk as well and be sure to smell the roses.

2. #1 is my alternative to interval training as well. It's a 2-fer!

3. The WebMD slideshow illustrates chair squats as an alternative to squats: If you can do chair squats too easily, try sitting on the chair and lifting to the squat position. These are as effective as squats but safer.

4. Dips: Lunges without moving forward. Dips are as effective as forward lunges for toning (though not for cardio) but safer.

5. Half push-ups (on bent knees): WebMD offers this as an alternative to full push-ups. Place knees on a firm throw pillow if your knees don't have much natural padding anymore.

6. Abdominal crunches: If you have a weak back, lie on floor with feet together and knees bent (inverted V). Exhale as you press abs into floor rounding hips up. Stomach and hips should form a flattened C-shape like the rockers on a rocking chair. Hold 5 seconds concentrating on pressing the abs down. Inhale and release.

7. Bent-over row: This is another winner. It's good for the wrists, hands, and elbows (which are often the first joints to exhibit the pain of arthritis or tendinosis) and also strengthen the core muscles.

[Jean is a lifelong exerciser. Her first love was ballet which she taught for six years in her younger days until family and career beckoned.

Over the years, she added aerobics, Broadway-style dance, jazz, yoga, Pilates and power sculpt to her repertoire.

In her 50s, she became a personal trainer. At 62 she was teaching 5 or more hour-long classes a week to women aged 30 to 80.]

Tags: age-appropriate exercise, safe workout, best exercises, most effective exercises

7 Most Effective Exercises Aren't for Everyone

2012-05-21T05:00:00.000-05:00

According to a WebMD slideshow, these are the 7 Most Effective Exercises, along with my personal comments.

1. Walking – Takes too much time which many of us don't have, especially those who continue to work or have heavy family responsibilities.

2. Interval training – As you age, you really have to monitor your heart rate on the fast intervals and not push beyond your heart's capacity.

3. Squats – I can still do these correctly. They require strong quadriceps. Do you know the proper form to protect your knees?

4. Lunges (both forward and side) – Walking forward lunges are quite aerobic and require strong quads. Side lunges can be especially hard on the knees. Again, proper form is key.

5. Full push-ups – I never could do these with the correct form. You?

6. Abdominal crunches (both half and full) – These are probably my favorite toning exercises; and it's a good thing because my tummy tends to protrude. Spanx anyone?

7. Bent-over row – This is really good for the triceps, pectorals, and back – when done properly.

Notice that I mentioned the importance of proper form several times. What I especially like about the WebMD slideshow is the excellent photos of common mistakes exercisers make with each particular move.

Do what you can. If you can do all 7 on the WebMD Most Effective Exercises list and are a genuine Ageless Beauty (45 or over), bully for you!

Please come back tomorrow for some alternative moves. We'll call them the 7 Next Best Most Effective Exercises.

Tags: age-appropriate exercise, safe workout, best exercises, most effective exercises

Sunday Shopping at Ageless Beauty May 20, 2012: Top Ten Skin Anti-Aging Products

2012-05-20T05:00:00.000-05:00

Save steps and money with a leisurely stroll through the aisles of the Ageless Beauty Shop featuring recently recommended items.

Today’s Ageless Beauty Shop:
Top Ten Skin Anti-Aging Products

No need to print out articles and drag them along from store to store searching out the latest and greatest in anti-aging products. Shop now from the comfort of home.

You might enjoy:
• Thanks Ageless Beauty, but ...
• Products for Dull Photo-Aged Oily Skin
• 5 Easy Steps: Ageless Beauty's Guide to Whats Best for Your Aging Skin
• Step Up Your Skin Care
• Is There a One-Size-Fits-All Anti-Aging Skincare Routine?

Tags: Step Up Your Skin Care, anti-aging skin care, anti-aging products, best anti-aging products, Top Ten Anti-Aging Products, cosmeceutical peptides, best skincare routine, Top Ten Affordable Anti-Aging Products
[Photo Credit: Print Shop Art Gallery]

Thanks Ageless Beauty, but ... Conclusion

2012-05-19T05:00:00.000-05:00

[ Grace's Letter to Ageless Beauty appeared Thursday.]

For Lines and Wrinkles

You seem to like Boots No. 7 Protect and Perfect Intense Serum. In my opinion, Boots No. 7 is not an anti-aging skin care line, but it appears to be good for sensitive acne-prone skin like yours.

Here's my Review of Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Anti-Aging Serum.

You specifically asked for suggestions of products with three "peptides". I'm expanding the search to products with at least three cell-communicating ingredients. "Cell communicating ingredients" is the broader class of skin care actives (including peptides) which significantly slow the clock on skin aging.

For more detail, consult the Ageless Beauty Cosmeceutical Peptide and Other Cell Communicating Ingredient Glossary.

Best Cell Communicating Anti-Aging Products:

Affordabale: StriVectin-SD Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks and Wrinkles ($27 an ounce) – contains

• Very high concentration of cell communicating Myristyl Nicotinate plus
• Tetrapeptide-21 - almost 2Xs as effective as Matrixyl at stimulating collagen production and 7Xs better than Matrixyl at reducing wrinkle depth
• Palmitoyl Oligopeptide (Matrixyl), and
• Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 - controls the body's inflammatory response to restore skin elasticity and lift facial contours.

Because of your sensitive skin, you may prefer StriVectin-SD for Sensitive Skin which contains the same cell communicating ingredients but no Menthol or Peppermint Oil ($34.50 an ounce).

If Price is No Object: Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle ($120 an ounce, on sale now at Amazon for $70) – contains

• 4% Syn-Ake - 5Xs more effective than Argireline at wrinkle smoothing,
• 10% SNAP 8 - an elongation of Argireline and more effective at reducing wrinkle depth,
• 3% Argireline,
• 3% SYN-Coll - boosts collagen production, and
• 3% Matrixyl 3000 - dual-peptide that smoothes skin and improves elasticity and tone.

While PTR Un-Wrinkle is a serum, consider that it has a Glycerin base and may be too rich for your oily skin. If you use other Glycerin–based products without problem, PTR Un-Wrinkle should be fine.

For Eye Bags and Dark Circles

In my opinion, the best eye cream or serum for both dark circles and eye bags is True Radiance Eye Serum with Regu-Age.

Read my Review of True Radiance Eye Serum. The review includes clinical study results for Regu-Age.

Anti-Aging Skin Care for Oily Sensitive Skin

Finally, you might find some lines to suit your acne-prone skin by following the thread that begins with Anti-Aging Products for Oily Skin.

If you find any products which you’d like to know more about, please write again.

Regards,
Jean

Tags: anti-aging skincare, >glycolic acid, effective ingredients, anti-aging ingredients, cosmeceutical peptides, antioxidants, cell-communicating ingredients, skincare reviews

Thanks Ageless Beauty, but ... Part 2

2012-05-18T05:00:00.000-05:00

[ Grace's Letter to Ageless Beauty appeared yesterday.]

Hi Grace,

"Dr. Oz said on Oprah that nothing can really be done except plastic surgery." OMGosh, I hope you misinterpreted the good doctor.

He was most likely talking about advanced signs of photo-aging like deep wrinkles, drooping eyelids, sagging jowls and turkey neck. But even with those problems, Botox and fillers can do a lot that allows one to postpone or avoid cosmetic surgery.

The skin issues you describe can most certainly be addressed with topical products and non-invasive procedures. Let your own dermatologist advise you on what is needed at this point.

For Brighter More Even Skin Tone

Ask your doctor if you should use your tretinoin cream more than once or twice a month. At 41, my guess is yes.

Tretinoin is not for peeling. That's a common misconception. Tretinoin is a skin normalizing ingredient. Read How to Combine Tretinoin and AHA Products in your skin care regimen.

Yes, I think an AHA product like Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Hydrating Gel would help with the post-acne bumps and also to brighten skin tone.

Be sure to read the how-to article I just mentioned and to use broad spectrum sun protection every day – whether you expect to be out in the sun or not. I recommend SPF 30 or more.

Read how PTR Glycolic Acid 10% Hydrating Gel measures up in this Comparison of Two High Concentration AHA Products.

Please come back tomorrow for the conclusion of Thanks Ageless Beauty, but ....

Tags: anti-aging skincare, >glycolic acid, effective ingredients, anti-aging ingredients, cosmeceutical peptides, antioxidants, cell-communicating ingredients, skincare reviews

Thanks Ageless Beauty, but ...Part 1

2012-05-17T05:00:00.000-05:00

Hi,

Thanks for your site. It is very helpful but, at the same time, with all your Best Picks it's very confusing what to use, how to use and when.

I'm 41 and Asian, have very sensitive and oily skin that breaks out due to stress (lack of sleep due to work) and hormones (due to monthly period).

I've been using tretinoin for peeling once or twice a month. I just started using Boots No. 7 Protect and Perfect Intense Serum. My skin feels softer and it's actually stopping some of my small breakouts.

I've used Perricone's Skin Clear Hydrator since last September, but it made my face oily. So I use it very minimally only at night over Boots.

I've got a lot of acne scars and I had my third Affirm treatment and fourth microdermabrasion. So far improvement is very slow.

Now that I'm not picking my scars, the healed breakouts turn to bumps. Do you think Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Hydrating Gel will help eliminate these bumps and scars?

Do you mind recommending something containing three peptides that will at the same time eliminate the redness and blemishes around the T-zone, as well as darkness on the side of my nose and chin?

Can PTR brighten skin, too?

I'm also using Boots Time Resisting Day & Night Eye Care but it's not really helping my eye bags and dark circles. What's the best that can help these?

Dr. Oz said on Oprah that nothing can really be done except plastic surgery.

Please help.

Thanks,
Grace

Come back tomorrow for Part 2 of Thanks Ageless Beauty, but ....

Tags: anti-aging skincare, >glycolic acid, effective ingredients, anti-aging ingredients, cosmeceutical peptides, antioxidants, cell-communicating ingredients, skincare reviews

Products for Dull Photo-Aged Oily Skin Conclusion

2012-05-16T05:00:00.000-05:00

[Carrie's Letter appeared yesterday.]

Products to Consider

Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle contains:

• 4% Syn-Ake - 5Xs more effective than Argireline at wrinkle smoothing;
• 10% SNAP 8 - an elongation of Argireline and more effective at reducing wrinkle depth;
• 3% Argireline;
• 3% SYN-Coll - boosts collagen production; and
• 3% Matrixyl 3000 - dual-peptide that smoothes skin and improves elasticity and tone.

PTR Un-Wrinkle certainly fulfills your wish list. However, while it's a serum, consider that it has a Glycerin base and may be too rich for your oily skin. If you use other Glycerin–based products without problem, PTR Un-Wrinkle should be fine.

If you know Glycerin is too rich for you, look at the GreatSkin Products you'll find in the Cell Communicating Ingredient Glossary. [Use your computer's Find function (Ctrl and F) to find specific words on a page.]

Other Suggestions

For uneven skin tone and dullness, I highly recommend StriVectin-SD Intensive with NIA-114. See my Before and After Photos.

Has your dermatologist suggested you try fillers, now that you're seeing some sagging skin (indicating significant loss of volume)? They not only fill and lift instantly; but have been found to generate new collagen.

Here's a more general article about The Complexities of Anti-Aging Skin Care. When you have other specific skin issues which may contraindicate certain anti-aging ingredients, it should help guide you in adjusting your regimen.

Tags: anti-aging skincare, effective skin anti-agers, cosmeceutical peptides, cell communicating ingredients, anti-aging products for oily skin, StiVectin recommendation, Peter Thomas Roth recommendation, cell communicating ingredient cocktail is most effective

Products for Dull Photo-Aged Oily Skin

2012-05-15T05:00:00.000-05:00

Help! I am a 51-year old female. I have oily skin but with a dry appearance.

I use Retin A and get Botox every four to six months.

I have blackheads, sagging and dull skin, and slight discoloration.

I would like a skincare regimen. I don't care if the products are from different skincare lines but I would like them to have Argireline, Matrixyl 3000, Copper Peptide and Palmitoyl Oligopeptide.

Is there any such thing available??

Carrie

Hi Carrie,

That's a pretty specific cocktail of cell communicating ingredients. That and your routine tell me you're very knowledgeable about anti-aging skin care.

Do you know that Palmitoyl Oligopeptide is one of the components of Matrixyl 3000? The other ingredient is Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide, an anti-glycation (anti-sag) peptide.

For information on specific cell communicating ingredients and products which contain them, consult the Ageless Beauty Cosmeceutical Peptide & Other Cell Communicating Ingredient Glossary.

Come back tomorrow for my product and other suggestion to Carrie in the conclusion of Products for Dull Photo-Aged Oily Skin.

Tags: anti-aging skincare, effective skin anti-agers, cosmeceutical peptides, cell communicating ingredients, anti-aging products for oily skin, StiVectin recommendation, Peter Thomas Roth recommendation, cell communicating ingredient cocktail is most effective

From the Ageless Beauty In-Box Part 5

2012-05-14T05:00:00.000-05:00

Do you have any questions for Ageless Beauty? Contact us by clicking here or leave a comment below.

Q: What is the most efficient eye cream to brighten dark circles and cure bags under eyes?

I have tried Prairie and Estee Lauder but none really helps.

Which cream has EGF and peptide?

Patricia

A: In my opinion, the best eye cream or serum for both dark circles and eye bags is True Radiance Eye Serum with Regu-Age.

Read my Review of True Radiance Eye Serum. The review includes clinical study results for Regu-Age.

ReVive Moisturing Renewal Cream and Mychelle Deep Repair Cream both contain Epidermal Growth Factor (oligopeptide-1).

Mychelle Deep Repair Cream is on the Ageless Beauty Top Ten Affordable Skin Anti-Aging Products list.

Q: Do you know any reviews for the B is for Beauty Wand product? I have had an in-home demo, and the product worked great on my skin. Can you tell me anything about it, e.g. any long term side effects for LED?

Thanks.

Maryanne

A: I'd never heard of the B is for Beauty LED Wand. Their website says the site is "under review". I'm not sure what that indicates for the product and whether it will become available again.

However I can tell you a lot about LED wands. I've used the Baby Quasar and then Quasar MD consistently for the past five years with wonderful results.

The only issue I'm aware of is that excessive use of LED Therapy can Generate Counterproductive Free Radicals. However that can be avoided by using a Green Tea (ECGC) Extract cream before LED wand use.

Read How to Maximize the Benefirs of LED Wand Treatments.

Tags: letters to the editor, anti-aging advice, reader questions, contact us, Ageless Beauty website

Sunday Shopping at Ageless Beauty May 13, 2012: Best Books on Healthy Aging

2012-05-13T05:00:00.000-05:00

Save steps and money with a leisurely stroll through the aisles of the Ageless Beauty Shop featuring recently recommended items.

Today’s Ageless Beauty Shop:
Best Books on Healthy Aging

No need to print out articles and drag them along from store to store searching out the latest and greatest in anti-aging products. Shop now from the comfort of home.

You might enjoy:
• Review of Use Your Brain to Change Your Age
• Write Your Skin a Prescription for Change
• Book Review: Forever Young by Nicholas Perricone
• The Sonoma Lifestyle
• The Younger Next Year Books
• Stage Your Comeback with "A Complete Beauty Revival for Women Over 45"
• Book Review - Face It: What Women Really Feel as Their Looks Change

Tags: Forever Young review , healthy weight maintenance, best anti-aging books, love your body, put food in perspective, look younger, make yourself over, exercise and weight control

[Photo Credit: Print Shop Art Gallery]

Acceptance of Authentic Beauty

2012-05-11T05:00:00.000-05:00

Are you aware of the growing movement for acceptance of more authentic beauty? It encompasses many diverse initiatives. Some I agree with; some I don't, for example the Anti-Cosmetic Surgery League.

I believe we all should have free choice over our religious and morals beliefs, over what's best for our bodies, and what's best for us as individuals (as long as we’re not harming others).

Vivian Diller recently wrote an excellent overview of the various directions this movement has taken. Dr. Diller is the author of Face It: What Women Really Feel as Their Looks Change.

We wrote a very positive Book Review of Face It. There's a lot of food for thought in the Huffington Post article by Dr. Diller as well. It begins …

"While this movement toward authentic beauty was first fueled by millions of mid-lifers frustrated by anti-aging ad campaigns - no, 15 is not the new 50! - more and more young adults have joined the bandwagon. Together we are recognizing the negative impact that unrealistic beauty has on body image and self-esteem - and together we are finally saying, 'we have had enough.'"

The article ends …

"It's human nature to be fascinated with youthful vitality and attractiveness … Surely, this stand being taken by an increasing number of people of all ages isn't about negating the pleasures that come from beauty as a form of entertainment. It's about the popularization of these unrealistic standards and the demand they make on every men and women … Perhaps we need to see authenticity as the goal for the everyday man or woman, leaving perfect beauty to cover girls, actors and celebs or anyone who chooses to be in the spotlight."

What do you think?

If you'd like to read what comes in between, you'll find the entire article on the Huffington Post.

Related articles.

• Jamie Lee Curtis Declares she is Anti Anti-Aging

• Consumers Want to See Real Results, not Photoshopped Models

• Sephora Promises Photoshop-Free Ads

• Are You Losing Your Looks? How to Cope

Tags: Face It review, dealing with changing appearance, best anti-aging books, love your looks, put aging in perspective, look lovely at any age, losing your looks, Viviane Diller Huffington Post article

Grateful for Prize of Radiance Cream from Ageless Beauty and True Radiance

2012-05-10T05:00:00.000-05:00

Our winner, Anonymous, still wishes to remain anonymous, but she did send a nice note of thanks after receiving her free bottle of Radiance Cream by True Radiance. She had some nice things to say about the product as well.

Ageless Beauty loves to hear what our readers think about our recommended products.

Read our Review of Radiance Cream by True Radiance.

Dear Jean,

Thank you for the free gift! I wanted to let you know it arrived and I am enjoying it. There was a card in the package and I meant to save it to write a note of thanks to the company; but now I can't find it. Perhaps you know who I can contact?

Seriously, I love the Radiance Cream. It reminds me of the lotion I use to buy from Clinique for years and years, when finances were not so much a prevention. These days I'm either using Olay complete or the generic of it by Equate.

Trusting that all is well with you and yours.

Thanks again for the very special gift.

Tags: anti-aging skincare, skin firming ingredients, anti-aging cell communicating ingredients, win Radiance Cream by True Radiance, effective anti-aging skincare ingredients, True Radiance giveaway, join Ageless Beauty, advances in anti-aging

Book Review: Use Your Brain to Change Your Age by Dr. Daniel Amen

2012-05-09T05:00:00.000-05:00

Reader Linda was kind enough to recommend Dr. Daniel Amen's latest book for our list of Best Books on Anti-Aging. I bought the Kindle edition of Use Your Brain to Change Your Age: Secrets to Look, Feel, and Think Younger Every Day and started reading it the same day.

[Kindle Tip: Download the Kindle PC Reader and you can see the images in color. There are also audiovisual components to this book, which you can enjoy if your reader supports them.]

Through fascinating case studies, Dr. Amen illustrates each point. The book is an easy and compelling read.

His work is based on more than 70,000 SPECT nuclear images of patients' brains. The images show that our brains typically become less active with age and we become more vulnerable to memory problems and depression. Yet, one of the most exciting lessons is that with a little forethought and a brain-smart plan, you can slow, or even reverse, the aging process in the brain.

Most importantly, Dr. Amen says it's never too late. He told one 76-year old woman, who asked if it was too late for her, "If you want to live until you're 90, now would be a good time to start." He added, "The fountain of youth is between your ears."

Dr. Amen's, easy-to-follow ten step anti-aging program tells you how to:

• Boost your memory, mood, attention, and energy;
• Decrease your risk for Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia;
• Eat to live longer;
• Reduce the outward signs of aging and make your skin more beautiful;
• Promote the healing of brain damage due to injury, strokes, substance abuse, and toxic exposure;
• Dramatically increase your chances of living longer and looking younger.

We've covered many parts of Dr. Amen’s recipe for brain health on Ageless Beauty:

• Healthy diet and supplements as needed;
• Exercise for both brain and body;
• The importance of caring non-toxic relationships;
• Positive mindset;
• Sufficient reparative sleep; and
• Avoidance of excessive alcohol and drugs.

However, we haven’t even touched on other ingredients in Dr. Amen's recipe. I have my work cut out for me – both personally and professionally.

Thank you, Linda. This is an excellent book!

Tags: Use Your Brain to Change Your Age, healthy weight maintenance, best anti-aging books, love your body, put food in perspective, look younger, make yourself over, exercise and weight control

Reducing Ultraviolet Radiation from Fluorescent Bulbs

2012-05-08T05:00:00.001-05:00

[This is in answer to Jes' question about Harsh Work Conditions Damaging Her Skin which appeared Saturday.]

Fluorescent bulbs are designed to provide general illumination; so the majority of the light emitted by them is in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum (approximately 400-700 nm).

However such bulbs do emit a very small amount of UVB (280-315 nm), UVA (315-400 nm) and infrared (> 700 nm) radiation.

The glass used in fluorescent bulbs filters out some of these UV rays. In addition, any other glass, plastic, or fabric between you and the bulb further shields your skin from radiation.

Distance from the bulb also reduces UV exposure.

A study reported in the Journal of Photodermatology, Photoimmunology and Photomedicine surveyed 58 types of fluorescent bulbs for UV emissions. ("An Estimation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk from Ultraviolet Radiation Emitted by Fluorecent Lamps", Lytle et al, 1993)

The researchers found that the indoor UV exposure from fluorescent bulbs during one eight-hour workday is equivalent to just over one minute in the midday sun on a clear July day in Washington, D.C.

Unless you are one of the few individuals who have a medical condition that makes you particularly sensitive to either UV or even visible light (such as some forms of Lupus or Xeroderma Pigmentosum - a condition where the body cannot repair UV damage to the skin), your skin should not suffer from exposure to fluorescent bulbs.

By all means, wear a high SPF sunscreen every day, whether you are indoors or out. This is rule #1 of (anti-aging) skin care. Try to stay at least a foot away from fluorescent bulbs.

Tags: broad spectrum sun protection, anti-aging skin care, sun protection, UV rays from fluorescent bulbs

Steam Heat and Your Skin

2012-05-07T05:00:00.000-05:00

[This is in answer to Jes' question about Harsh Work Conditions Damaging Her Skin which appeared Saturday.]

It's probably not the steam heat per se that is aggravating your skin. It's the heat. Colder air holds more moisture.

In any closed heating system, cooler moister air is heated and loses moisture. The same air is heated over and over as long as the heat is on, losing more moisture with each cycle.

If the building does not have a humidifying system to offset the moisture loss, the air becomes very dry.

In a large building, there may be uneven heat distribution because of clogged pipes or other mechanical defects. Parts of the building may be too hot while others are too cold.

As I said at the start, heat is bad for your skin. Excessive heat can cause:

• Dry irritated skin,
• Redness,
• Broken capillaries (telangiectasias), and
• A rebound effect of more oil production in oily skin.

If you're in one room most of the day, try bringing a small humidifier to work with you. If the windows aren't sealed, try opening a window from time to time to let in moister outside air.

My answer to Jes will conclude tomorrow with Reducing Ultraviolet Radiation from Fluorescent Bulbs.

Tags: steam heat and your skin, heat dries skin, telangiectasias, broken capillaries, skin redness, how to increase ambient humidity, dry skin care

Sunday Shopping at Ageless Beauty May 6, 2012: Best Books on Healthy Aging

2012-05-06T05:00:00.000-05:00

Save steps and money with a leisurely stroll through the aisles of the Ageless Beauty Shop featuring recently recommended items.

Today’s Ageless Beauty Shop:
Best Books on Healthy Aging

No need to print out articles and drag them along from store to store searching out the latest and greatest in anti-aging products. Shop now from the comfort of home.

You might enjoy:
• Ageless Beauty Reader Recommends Best Book
• Write Your Skin a Prescription for Change
• Book Review: Forever Young by Nicholas Perricone
• The Sonoma Lifestyle
• The Younger Next Year Books
• Stage Your Comeback with "A Complete Beauty Revival for Women Over 45"
• Book Review - Face It: What Women Really Feel as Their Looks Change

Tags: Forever Young review , healthy weight maintenance, best anti-aging books, love your body, put food in perspective, look younger, make yourself over, exercise and weight control

[Photo Credit: Print Shop Art Gallery]

Harsh Work Conditions Damaging to Skin

2012-05-05T05:00:00.000-05:00

I love this site! I've been searching all over the web for product reviews and your site is excellent and informative.

My question or situation really is this: I'm 25 years old and work in a prison with those horrible UV rod lights and steam heat. My skin just keeps getting drier and redder.

I've used countless products and am at the point of a visit with my dermatologist. I need a product(s) that has SPF, moisturizer, and because I'm getting wrinkles around my eyes some sort of anti-aging aspect or ingredient.

Any advice or products you know of?? Or should I go with my plan of seeing my doc?

Thank you and keep up the awesome work on this site.

Jes

Hi Jes,

Thank you!

I hope by the time you get this response, you have already seen a dermatologist and perhaps even changed jobs. What you describe is a very harsh environment. And the stresses are showing on your skin. You may, in fact, have very sensitive skin or an underlying medical condition. So definitely, consulting your doctor is the first step.

Please come back Monday for Steam Heat and Your Skin.

Tags: anti-aging skincare, broad spectrum sun protection, dry irritated skin, steam heat and your skin, fluorescent bulbs and your skin, harsh work conditions damage skin

Ultra High Heels are Dangerous to Health and Prosperity

2012-05-04T05:00:00.000-05:00

[Yesterday I told you about an excellent article in Ladies Home Jornal: Killer Heels: What Your Favorite Shoes Are Doing to Your Feet]

In my case, ten years of dancing "en pointe" surely contributed to my bunions, bunionettes, and hammertoes. Toe shoes so tight they were practically molded to my feet were the direct cause of a heel spur which needed to be treated at age 18 in order for me to continue dancing.

I've had a baby and I've had shingles, but the searing and long lasting pain of having steroids injected directly into the heel spur was the worst I've ever experienced.

I went on to wear 3-inch heels through part of the 70s and 80s as fashion "dictated". At age forty, I needed costly bunion surgery on both feet.

Fortunately for my feet, fickle fashion then declared that low heels and even ballet flats were the rage.

In the 80s, women were gaining economic ground and feeling more powerful. In an obvious fashion backlash, we started wearing running shoes with our business suits to walk to work. Health and fitness had gained a brief upper hand over fashion.

Consequently, my bunions and bunionettes never returned. Plus, contrary to what the Ladies Home Journal article says (and what my doctor told me after the bunion surgery) my hammertoes actually flattened and all my toes regained joint flexibility.

My reconstructed feet remain lovely to this day. On the other hand, I now have arthritis at one of the bunion surgery sites.

I paid the price. With 20/20 hindsight, I still would have danced all those years. I was passionate about ballet and loved every minute. But I would have skipped the 3-inch heels.

Tags: damage from ultra-high heels, bunions, bunionettes, heel spurs, injuries from ultra-high heels, hammertoes, bunion surgery, arthrtis caused by ultra-high heels

Are Your Feet Killing You?

2012-05-03T05:00:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been, or are you now, a slave to fashion? Have you ever, or do you now, wear 3-inch heels or high platform shoes?

If you answered "yes", you may be paying the price already and if you're not paying yet, trust me, you will.

You pay in terms of:

• Painful bunions;

• Unsightly bunionettes (bunions of the little toes);

• Hammertoes that make your feet look like gorilla feet suitable for swinging from trees;

• Painful bursitis called heel spurs or "pump bumps";

• Injuries from sprained ankles and/or broken bones;

• Costly surgeries to correct the above; and

• Years later, arthritis of the knees and/or at some of the surgery sites.

Ladies Home Journal had an extensive article in the March 2012 issue (now available in its entirety online): Killer Heels: What Your Favorite Shoes Are Doing to Your Feet All the above conditions are described more fully and the causes are explained.

Tomorrow I'll tell you What Killer Heels Did to My Feet.

Tags: damage from ultra-high heels, bunions, bunionettes, heel spurs, injuries from ultra-high heels, hammertoes, bunion surgery, arthrtis caused by ultra-high heels

Ageless Beauty Reader Recommends Best Book

2012-05-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

I just read your Best Books on Healthy Aging list and I have one that I HIGHLY recommend: "Use Your Brain to Change Your Age: Secrets to Look, Feel, and Think Younger Every Day," by Dr. Daniel G. Amen.

It is available on Amazon as a hardback, Kindle book, and audio CD. I got my copy from the library -- so, that is worth a try, as well (Dr. Amen is a popular author, so your library is likely to have it).

Enjoy!
Linda

Hi Linda,

Thank you so much for the suggestion. I will certainly have it reviewed for inclusion on our list of best books for Ageless Beauties.

Best regards,
Jean

Tags: Use Your Brain to Change Your Age, healthy weight maintenance, best anti-aging books, love your body, put food in perspective, look younger, make yourself over, exercise and weight control

StriVectin Asks: What Would you do with $30,000?

2012-05-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

Could you use an extra $30,000 to make some positive change in your life or the lives of others?

Write 100 to 150 words explaining what you would change and submit with a photo by June 1 to the StriVectin Power to Change Campaign.

StriVectin is one of my favorite anti-aging skin care product companies. StriVectin-SD Intensive tops our list of Affordable Anti-Aging Skin Care Products.

StriVectin has sponsored two giveaways on Ageless Beauty.

Their dedication to skin care research earned StriVectin the 2011 Skin Cancer Foundation's Skin Sense Award for development of its exclusive NIA-114™ (Niacin-derived Myristyl Nicotinate) technology, which is found in several of StriVectin’s latest product releases.

NIA-114™ has been chosen by the National Cancer Institute for further study as a possible skin cancer prevention agent.

Now StriVectin is introducing The Power to Change Campaign to help and inspire women to bring powerful and positive change to their skin and to their lives.

Despite the fact that so many Americans have lost their homes, or are underemployed or unemployed, a national survey by StriVectin, found that more people would rather improve their looks (55%) than their job situation (35%).

In fact, more than a third of Americans (36%) also said they would feel more empowered by looking five years younger than by getting a promotion at work. That number increases to 52 percent for Ageless Beauties (45+).

StriVectin and Ageless Beauty – dedicated to helping you to:

• Look better,
• Feel better,
• Feel better about yourself,
• Reduce your stress levels, and
• Improve your lives.

$30,000 could go a long way to help one of you do something positive for yourself or others. Good luck!

Tags: anti-aging skincare, StriVectin honored, 2011 Skin Sense Awards, StriVectin offers $30,000, StriVectin Power to Change Contest, StriVectin research, NIA-114 by StriVectin, advances in anti-aging

We Have a Winner! A Free Bottle of Radiance Cream by True Radiance Goes to ...

2012-04-30T05:00:00.000-05:00

Entries for the drawing to win a free bottle of Radiance Cream by True Radiance closed midnight Friday.

Radiance Cream is another giveaway from lines represented in the Ageless Beauty Top Ten Affordable Anti-Aging Product List.

Here are the results generated by the random number generator at random.org.

The winner is comment #7, a follower who prefers to remain Anonymous.

Congratulations, "An"! Please use the Ageless Beauty Contact Us form to send me your shipping information.

Thanks to all who participated. I hope you had fun.

Read our review of Radiance Cream by True Radiance

Tags: anti-aging skincare, anti-aging product giveaway, anti-aging cell communicating ingredients, True Radiance skincare giveaway, effective anti-aging skincare ingredients, Top Ten Affordable Anti-Aging Products, True Radiance winner, advances in anti-aging